JACKSONVILLE—Having both the NFL’s lowest-ranked passing offense (142.8 yards per game) and scoring output (13.0 ppg), both by wide margins over the next-worst team, is a source of huge embarrassment for QB Blaine Gabbert and offense-minded head coach Mike Mularkey.

It doesn’t help matters that RB Maurice Jones-Drew has been a non-factor the past couple games. Throw in that none of the receivers are gaining separation on a consistent basis and spotty pass protection, it’s no wonder the Jaguars are an offensive mess.

Blaine Gabbert's slow development has stunted the growth of Jacksonville's offense. (AP Photo)

There’s no denying that the biggest component to igniting this offense is turning Gabbert loose to take more shots downfield. The second-year quarterback has been much slower to develop than every quarterback taken high in the last two drafts, including several rookies.

Gabbert is last in the NFL in two meaningful categories—yards per attempt (5.45) and third-down YPA (4.19)—and his passer rating (73.3) has plummeted to 29th. It’s doubtful the Jaguars will turn to backup Chad Henne any time soon, but Gabbert’s numbers can’t all be written off as a quarterback adjusting to a new system.

SMITH'S TIME? It’s too early in the week to know if LB Daryl Smith (groin) will make his first start of the year Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, but there’s no question his absence all season is a major hit for the defense. Smith is the Jaguars’ most instinctive player. His replacement, Kyle Bosworth, isn’t near as reliable when it comes to taking the right angles and shedding blockers. That’s why undrafted rookie Julian Stanford has been getting more snaps lately. Smith participated in individual drills Monday and hopes to be full go by Thursday. Without him, the Jaguars’ 30th-ranked run defense has given up 4.7 yards per attempt.